What Is Christmas Wassail?

Wassail is a traditional warm, spiced beverage associated with winter celebrations and holiday gatherings. Modern versions often combine apple cider or juice with citrus and spices. This Crockpot Christmas Wassail uses apple cider, tea, orange juice, lemon juice, honey, cinnamon, and cloves.

Is Crockpot Christmas Wassail Alcohol-Free?

Yes. This recipe is alcohol-free as written and can be served to guests of all ages. Adults can add their preferred spirit to individual servings if desired.

Can I Use Apple Juice Instead of Apple Cider?

Yes. Apple juice is a convenient substitute when cider is unavailable. Since apple juice can be sweeter, leave out the honey initially and adjust the sweetness after heating.

Easy Crockpot Christmas Wassail Recipe

Name: Crockpot Christmas Wassail
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-498144H47M15S
Total time: 2 h 5 min
Cuisine: British-inspired
Ingredients: 8 cups (1/2 gallon) apple cider; 2 cups prepared rooibos tea or black tea; 2 cups orange juice, preferably pulp-free; 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons); 1/4 cup honey; 1 heaping teaspoon whole cloves; 2 cinnamon sticks; Optional: fresh orange slices and apple slices for garnish

Description

Crockpot Christmas Wassail is a warm, festive holiday drink made with apple cider, prepared rooibos or black tea, orange juice, fresh lemon juice, honey, whole cloves, and cinnamon sticks. This easy slow cooker wassail fills your home with the comforting aroma of Christmas spices and makes a delicious alcohol-free beverage for holiday parties, Christmas morning, and family gatherings. Simply combine the ingredients in your crockpot, simmer until the flavors blend, and serve warm. Garnish with fresh apple and orange slices for a beautiful seasonal touch.

Ingredients

Scale

8 cups (1/2 gallon) apple cider
2 cups prepared rooibos tea or black tea
2 cups orange juice, preferably pulp-free
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
1/4 cup honey
1 heaping teaspoon whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
Optional: fresh orange slices and apple slices for garnish

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Instructions

Add the apple cider, prepared tea, orange juice, fresh lemon juice, honey, whole cloves, and cinnamon sticks to the crockpot.
Stir thoroughly to combine the ingredients, making sure the honey dissolves and does not settle at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 2–3 hours or on LOW for 5–6 hours, allowing the fruit juices and spices to blend together.
Taste the wassail and adjust the sweetness if desired. Carefully remove the whole cloves and cinnamon sticks before serving.
For a festive presentation, add fresh orange slices and apple slices. Serve the wassail warm directly from the crockpot, using the WARM setting to keep it ready for guests.

Notes

Use fresh apple cider rather than apple juice for the richest apple flavor.
Rooibos tea is naturally caffeine-free and is a good choice for children and guests who avoid caffeine. Decaffeinated black tea also works well.
You will need approximately 2–3 fresh lemons to make 1/2 cup of lemon juice.
If using sweetened apple juice instead of cider, omit the honey initially and add it only after tasting.
Prepare the ingredients up to one day ahead and refrigerate the mixture in a covered container until ready to heat.
Remove the whole spices after the desired flavor develops to prevent the wassail from becoming too strongly spiced.
Refrigerate leftovers promptly in an airtight container and use within 3–4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months for best quality.
This recipe is alcohol-free as written. Adults may add their preferred spirit to individual servings if desired.
Cooking time varies by slow cooker. Heat thoroughly before switching to the WARM setting for serving.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours on HIGH (2–3 hours recommended; 5–6 hours on LOW)
Category: Beverages, Holiday Drinks
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: British-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
Calories: 120
Sugar: 25 g
Sodium: 9 mg
Fat: 0 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 1 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg